Whether it's setting up robotic telescopes in Morocco, or launching a wide hunt for exoplanets in Qatar, or sending probes to Mars via space agencies in the UAE, the quest seems to be fuelled by zeal and serious investment.

Besides a thirst for knowledge, the Arab Middle East's venture into space may also be due to a desire to revive the region's astronomical heritage (the Arabs are renowned for early mapping of the stars), or perhaps, it's another way of infusing hope into new generations of young people across countries long embroiled in conflict and political turmoil.

In this new series, Nature Middle East talks to the scientists and researchers trying to propel the region into the future.